The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex, offers several Post-Doctoral Fellowships annually to outstanding early career scientists. The Smithsonian's distinctive combination of field research facilities, museum archives, and internationally recognized expertise in ecology, biological conservation, systematics, and paleobiology provide unprecedented opportunities for synthetic, big-picture insights into some of the most profound issues challenging our world today, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. =20
=20 Some of the greatest challenges to our environment are in our most biologically productive ecosystems - the coastal zone, where 70 percent of the world's population lives, works, and plays. Scientists at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center <http://www.serc.si.edu/research/labs.jsp> (SERC) on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland have led ground-breaking studies on the ecological dynamics between land and sea for over 40 years, including the world's longest running study on the ecological effects of atmospheric CO2 change, and short and long-term studies on food web dynamics, invasion biology, coastal and upland ecosystem ecology, harmful algal blooms, ultraviolet radiation, biogeochemistry, and nutrient and trace element cycling. Insights gained in these systems will be crucial to developing science-based conservation plans that allow human societies to thrive while protecting our finite natural resources.=20 =20 The Smithsonian and SERC are committed to training the next generation of scientists with its internationally recognized Postdoctoral Fellowship program. Smithsonian Fellows receive an annual stipend of $40,000 plus health, relocation, and research allowances. Each position is expected to run for two years, with the second year of funding contingent upon satisfactory progress. Applicants are required to secure sponsorship from a SERC scientist prior to submitting an application for this competitively-awarded fellowship. Applications are due January 15, 2008. Please contact Fellowship Coordinator Daniel Gustafson at [EMAIL PROTECTED], or 443-482-2217, for further details. Application Requirements 1) Discuss the feasibility of potential projects and secure sponsorship from one of 17 senior scientists at SERC <http://www.serc.si.edu/research/labs.jsp>=20 2) Submit formal research proposal (postmarked by January 15, 2008) to: Office of Research Training and Services Smithsonian Institution MRC 902 PO Box 37012=20 470 L'Enfant Plaza Suite 7102 Washington, DC 20013-7012 =20 For express mail services use the following address: Office of Research Training and Services Smithsonian Institution 470 L'Enfant Plaza SW Suite 7102 Washington, DC 20024=20 Detailed instructions on the requirements of the research proposal can be found here <http://www.si.edu/ofg/Applications/SIFELL/sifell.htm> , or by contacting Fellowship Coordinator Daniel Gustafson at [EMAIL PROTECTED], 443-482-2217. 3) General application instructions a. Completed cover sheet b. Research proposal * Maximum 1 page abstract * Maximum 6 page research proposal of no more than 1500 words, double-spaced text, including the importance and justification of the proposed research, sponsor identification, work plan, and budgetary needs.=20 c. Bibliography=20 d. Curriculum vitae e. Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable) f. Letters of reference from two appropriate persons selected by you in sealed envelopes signed by the referee across the flap. 7. Self addressed, stamped envelope (necessary only if you cannot receive email notification) =20
